Things to Do When It’s Absolutely Freezing Out

Things to Do Inside When It’s Freezing

At this point in the year, when the weather is often a sweltering 8 degrees, you’re probably fed up with the cold and sick of doing the same old same old. According to the groundhog we’re in for an early spring, but it’s Buffalo after all. So most likely we still have a few bone chilling weeks ahead of us. Combat those winter blues with this list of fun indoor activities to choose from when it’s freezing out.

Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens

2655 South Park Ave, Buffalo

(716) 827-1584

Monday-Sunday 10am–5pm

Adult Ticket: $9

The Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens is a “living museum” with a mission to help visitors gain appreciation for plant life and all of it’s beauty. Throughout the year they hold numerous events to bring people in to the gardens. It makes for a gorgeous day trip and a perfect indoor/outdoor escape from the bitter temperatures.

Darwin D. Martin House

125 Jewett Pkwy, Buffalo

(716) 856-3858

Hours: Monday-Friday 9am – 5pm

Ticket prices vary.

The Darwin D. Martin House Complex is a National Historic Landmark designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, constructed between the years 1903 and 1905. Events and tours are held at the house throughout the year, including some you wouldn’t necessarily expect like their Whiskey and Wright event.

Shea’s Performing Arts Center

646 Main Street, Buffalo

Plan a beautiful night out at Shea’s for shows like Blue Man Group, The Wizard of Oz, Peter Pan, or the many more listed on their website followed by drinks at a nearby bar like Buffalo Proper or Encore. To order tickets, call 1-800-745-3000 or visit their website.

Aquarium of Niagara

701 Whirlpool St, Niagara Falls

(716) 285-3575

Hours: Monday-Sunday 9am – 5pm

Adult Ticket: $13

Sea lion shows, touch a star fish in the touch tanks, and penguin encounters are just a few of the features you can expect to explore at the Aquarium of Niagara. The specific times and extra fees listed for special encounters can be found on their website.

aquariumofniagara.org

Sabres or Bandits Games

First Niagara Center, 1 Seymour H Knox III Plaza, Buffalo

(716) 855-4100

Nothing says game day like a tall beer and a big pretzel while watching some live action! Living in Buffalo, we are fortunate enough to be blessed with some serious accessibility – possibly the best thing about WNY. Buffalo Bandits Lacrosse games are just as exciting and fast paced as a Buffalo Sabres game.

Buffalo Museum of Science

1020 Humboldt Pkwy, Buffalo

(716) 896-5200

Hours: Monday-Sunday 10am-4pm

Adult Ticket Price-$11

One behind the scenes tour of our local science museum and you’ll quickly be reminded of how much they have going on there. The exhibits include artifacts, biodiversity, bug works, explorations, explore you, in motion, nano, our marvelous earth, our place in space, rethink extinct, and Seymour and Stanley. Plus they’re often hosting fun events like Beerology and Get a Clue! Check out their website for a full list of events and exhibits.

The Screening Room Cinema Cafe

3131 Sheridan Dr, Amherst

(716) 837-0376

Did you know Buffalo has a cinema cafe? That’s right, sip a glass of wine, grab some snacks, and enjoy the movie in their comfy, cozy venue. They play classic, foreign, cult and independent films. What could be better one a chilly night?

screeningroom.net

Try a Trapped/Escape Room

We recently came out with an epic guide to the new Escape Room trend hitting WNY everywhere you look. The list of locations and explanations should give you an all inclusive look at what each place offers and your options for a fun day out. Grab some friends and challenge your minds during one of these interactive puzzles. Watch the clock because you only have one hour to escape!

Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra

Kleinhans Music Hall, 3 Symphony Cir, Buffalo

(716) 883-3560

Experience a classy evening out with the BPO. Shows range from classical and soothing (think Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 4.) to unique blends of rock, pop, and jazz. For tickets call (716) 885-5000 or visit their website.

Antique Shopping

Find some unique gems to spice up your apartment or start a vintage collection by checking out local antique shops, flea markets, and estate sales. I love collecting vintage cocktail and cookbooks and I find some amazing ones at flea markets for usually as low as $3. Shops like this are all around the city – to name a few, we suggest:

Ghost Tour at the Iron Island Museum

998 Lovejoy Street, Buffalo

Hours: Thursday: 6 pm – 8:30 pm, Friday and Saturday 10 am – 12:30 pm

Ghost Hunters thought Iron Island Museum was a spooky enough place to check out, so why not you? Self-guided tours are just $2 per person and guided tours are $5. Overnight investigations are available by request, just send Linda an email at ljhgold@aol.com if you’re interested.

Enjoy a day at the Spa

Spa Alexis, 2 Fountain Plz, Buffalo

(716) 855-4877

My personal favorite, Spa Alexis, offers 60 minute massages for $80, 90 minute for $120, and reflexology for $50. Acrylic manicure ($50), a mani pedi combo ($70), and pedicures ($45) are also available for your day of rest and relaxation. Sometimes you just need a day of pampering. Enjoy a cocktail or glass of wine at E.B. Greens while you’re there. They make a mean dirty martini!

Whiskey Tasting “Irish flight” at A.B.V.

For some of us, a whiskey tasting might sound like a cruel joke (read: me, myself, and I). But for many Western New Yorkers trying different flavors of quality whisky can be fun and exciting. Not to mention, their burgers are amazing! Broaden your horizons and take a shot. You might actually enjoy it – or at least be on your way to enjoying it. At the very least it makes for a great Instagram pic and a challenge.

Indoor Cycling

Trying a new fitness class is a great way to kick that cabin fever. Born right here in Buffalo, both Saddle Cycling and Revolution are able to give you intense cardio workouts that you might get from an afternoon of outdoor cycling, indoors! Not to mention a class or two will definitely warm you right up. Check out their websites for more info!

Buffalo Arts Studio

Hyatt Arts

910 Main Street, Buffalo

Hours: Monday-Friday 9am-6pm, Saturday 10am-5pm

OR

8565 Main Street, Clarence

Hours: Monday-Friday 9:30am-9pm, Saturday 9:30am-6pm, Sunday Noon-5pm

Art is a great way to get creative and relax. You might even realize a hidden talent you never knew you had. Buffalo Arts Studio is a not-for-profit arts organization with a goal of offering space and exposure to visual artists while building their own art community. Hyatt offers classes in figure drawing, oil painting, charcoal, water colors, painting, collage, calligraph,y and mat cutting. You can sign up for classes online!

The Establishment by Mass Mutual

5110 Main Street Suite 100, Williamsville

(716) 276-1174

info@TheEstablishmentBuffalo.com

Who doesn’t want to learn about how they can improve their finances while still having a life? Not only do the people of the Establishment pass on their financial knowledge, but they offer drinks at their bar during their free lessons! In other words they get it. It’s time to understand money. Maybe you want to learn about stocks and bonds, you’re saving for a house, or you’re drowning in student loans. They’re here to help. For a list of free classes click here.

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Jess works full time as a Fundraiser and Event Planner for a local nonprofit and as a volunteer Wish Granter for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. She's obsessed with scary movies, photography, vintage cocktail books, traveling, trying new things, and can often be found exploring markets around the city. She loves to be adventurous and push herself out of her comfort zone as often as possible.

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